Nagpur: Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 5) Niketan B. Kadam has been selected for the prestigious Director General’s (DG) Insignia for 2025, recognising his bravery, leadership and unwavering service during one of Nagpur’s most tense law-and-order situations earlier this year.
The honour acknowledges Kadam’s frontline courage during the March 2025 violence in central Nagpur, where he was seriously injured while leading police operations, as well as his subsequent role in launching a technology-driven preventive policing initiative named ‘Garud Drishti’.
The DG’s Insignia is among Maharashtra Police’s most respected honours and is conferred upon officers for distinguished service, gallantry and exemplary commitment to duty.
Injured While Protecting His Team
During communal unrest reported in the Hansapuri and Mahal areas in March 2025, Kadam was at the forefront of police action to restore peace.
As tensions escalated, a violent mob allegedly armed with stones, petrol bombs and sticks surrounded the police team. In the midst of the confrontation, Kadam reportedly moved ahead to shield his personnel from an attacker carrying an axe.
The assailant swung at him, targeting his neck. Kadam instinctively raised his hand to block the strike and suffered a deep injury with severe bleeding. He was rushed for emergency treatment and later underwent surgery.
The incident drew widespread attention, with senior leaders and citizens praising the officer’s courage under extreme danger.
Leadership Beyond the Streets: ‘Garud Drishti’
Following the unrest, Kadam also led the launch of ‘Garud Drishti’, a cyber-monitoring initiative aimed at preventing online provocation from turning into street violence.
The specialised system focused on tracking objectionable, inflammatory and fear-inducing content circulating on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. The objective was clear—stop “digital riots” before they trigger physical unrest.
Under the initiative, multiple individuals were reportedly detained for circulating provocative material capable of disturbing public order.
A New Face of Policing
Kadam’s recognition highlights two critical dimensions of modern policing—physical courage in the field and technological vigilance in cyberspace.
His role during the Nagpur violence demonstrated personal bravery, while Garud Drishti reflected the evolving need for preventive intelligence-based policing in urban India.
Honour for Duty Under Fire
The DG Insignia 2025 awarded to Niketan Kadam is a tribute to an officer who faced violence head-on, protected his team despite grave injury, and continued serving through innovative law-enforcement measures.
For Maharashtra Police, it is recognition of courage tested in crisis and leadership proven through action.
